David has spent most of his professional career in the environmental consulting field. With qualifications in geology, geography and environmental science, his experience has been principally in the areas of environmental impact assessment, environmental management, air, noise and water pollution and contaminated site assessment and remediation.

David ceased his full-time consulting role in 2009 when he became a part-time university lecturer in environmental science, which he continues to this day.

In 2010 he became an Acting Commissioner in the NSW Land and Environment Court, providing expertise in cases involving environmental pollution, sub-surface contamination and waste management.

In 2012 he was appointed as a Member of the NSW Planning and Assessment Commission (PAC), determining major industrial, planning and mining proposals throughout NSW. He has recently been re-appointed in this role as a Commissioner with the PAC.

Based in Sydney, David still carries out consulting assignments but his interests also lie in the balanced assessment of environmental impacts and particularly in the decision making process for determining major development proposals, such as mining, energy and infrastructure projects.

He has helped to cement the role of environmental scientists in the environmental planning process and raised their profile in NSW. David is also a member of two independent local government planning panels, as well as taking an active role in EIANZ, industry associations and in the education and mentoring of young environmental professionals.